Crestmark was honored by the 23rd Annual Communicator Awards with one Award of Excellence and four Awards of Distinction for its direct mail and collateral pieces to promote Crestmark’s financing solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses.

Crestmark’s promotional pieces were standouts among more than 6,000 global entries received by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, which honors creative excellence for communications professionals. 

This year’s highest honor, an Award of Excellence, recognized a direct-mail postcard that was sent to businesses who may be in need of, or work with businesses who could benefit from, Crestmark’s alternative lending. The mailer features a striking, up-close photograph of a chameleon, and reads: “The only constant in life and business is change. Let us help through times of transition.” The piece calls attention to Crestmark’s ability to secure capital to businesses during start-ups, turnarounds, restructuring and other special circumstances or uncertain times; and was mailed shortly after the presidential inauguration.

“Our integrated messages reflect the services and culture at Crestmark,” said Lisa Beattie, senior vice president and marketing/communications director. “We provide innovative lending solutions for businesses in transition. We understand change and help businesses grow through it. Our marketing materials reflect that core understanding.”

Four other communication pieces were honored with Awards of Distinction. They include:

• “Celebrate the Season” – the 2016 holiday greeting
• “Diamond Tufted to Carved Seatbacks” – a direct-mail piece designed for customers in Crestmark’s furniture distribution and manufacturing markets
• “Fast Track Launch” – a direct-mailer announcing the launch of Crestmark’s simplified financing option
• “Finish Line” – a direct-mail piece to referral sources portraying how Crestmark gets financing done, and works with prospects along the way

“Our messages to business owners are an indication of our unique expertise and services in niche markets,” said Marty Blake, executive vice president. “We are proud of Lisa and her team for the recognition of their quality work and look forward to their continued success in positioning and distinguishing Crestmark as an outstanding financial service provider.”